Missing pilot’s mom “befuddled” by his disappearance

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The mother of a missing Indiana businessman who authorities believe tried to fake his death in a plane crash says she hasn’t heard from him and is befuddled by news of his disappearance.

Marcia Galoozis said in a phone interview Tuesday morning she believes son Marcus Schrenker is alive and well and hopes he turns up soon.

Alabama police say the suburban Indianapolis man disappeared on a motorcycle he apparently stashed in advance of Sunday’s flight.

Schrenker bailed out of his plane over Alabama and the plane crashed near Destin, Fla. after being put in autopilot.

His mother says she last saw her son when he visited northwestern Indiana last week for his stepfather’s funeral, and didn’t know he had money problems.